A 90-minute motorcycle ride on narrow paths might get you to Ansekretyen and Mapou in good weather. The people who live there are cut off from the rest of the world and work in subsistence farming, fishing, and informal trade.

 

The cholera epidemic in Haiti was worldwide news when it hit after the earthquake in 2010. In 2023, cholera returned to the region, aided and abetted by June’s severe storms and flooding. By mid-August, test-positive cases and deaths of the young and elderly appeared in the two communities. In rapid re- sponse, CSUG began a cholera prevention and treatment program – a grassroots project using community health workers, local leaders, and our health center staff to combat the resurgence. Despite educa- tion, homemade handwashing stations, and hygiene kits, diarrheal diseases continued to hit Ansekretyen and Mapou hard, particularly after more extreme weather brought severe flooding in November. Illness and death skyrocketed. It became clear that a larger solution to the problem was needed.

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A CSUG team evaluated the status of potable water and hygiene. They found there were no viable water systems and very few latrines. Americares has been helping us develop our outreach services to the most vulnerable since 2022. They joined us in the guidance and funding of a holding tank, a pump house, and a block of family latrines in each community. With $58,000 and sweat and muscle from neighbors, we were able to finally bring clean water and sanitary facilities to both regions.

 

We’re thrilled to announce that because our launch was a success, Americares will be funding two more WASH projects in 2025 for the most vulnerable com- munities in our zone. Chapo!!